Born and live in New York city for 66 years never visited till todays exhibition tour. It is so huge, too much to see and experience in one day. I will definitely go back to seek out more treasures. A must see for everyone of different ages.

Such a beautiful building. The exhibition is fascinating.

What an amazing place to visit cheap. Did you know this library has a FREE pass? It is a great site, and so beautiful inside. We went there during winter, just to warm up, not realizing this place was free to visit! It consider it a hidden gem in New York, which people miss and are too concern with the busy and more touristy sites! Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this library!

In 1923, just 12 years after The New York Public Library opened its flagship building, Harry Miller Lydenberg chronicled a detailed history of the events which sparked NYPLs creation. Lydenberg, then NYPLs Chief Reference Librarian, was to become a future American Library Association President (1932-1933) and NYPL Director (1934-1941) in upcoming years.The History of the New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations provides a thorough account of 19th century New York City libraries, their consolidation into a unified system, and the construction of NYPL’s central library (now known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building).Prominently discussed are the Astor Library, Lenox Library, and Tilden Trust, among other pre-NYPL libraries. Along with the comprehensive histories of these libraries, readers will find photos, illustrations, personal correspondence, newspaper excerpts, and details of the libraries’ collections and operations.New York City in the 19th century saw a stark distinction between the popular library (for the people) and the scholar’s library (for the student), with Lydenberg noting that they seemingly belonged to “two irreconcilable categories.” Many libraries’ collections throughout this period did not offer popular reading material and were “likened to the academies of the select and opulent few,” rather than existing for public use.In the History of the NYPL, Lydenberg features media criticism (including drawings and skits) which illustrate the publics opinion of the citys libraries.For example, views of the Lenox Library (where visitors needed to apply to the Library Superintendent for admission) were portrayed through an 1884 issue of Life, jesting:“But I thought you said it was a public library? So I did. Then how can you keep people out? By locking the doors. But why? To keep the pretty books from being spoiled. Why! Who would spoil the pretty books? The public. How? By reading them.”These views necessitated the creation of a city-wide free public library with collections extensive enough to serve a large metropolitan population of every class and reading ability. The New York Public Library was the result of this demand.Lydenburg not only presents the need for a city wide public library system, but provides interesting insight into the planning and design of the NYPL—particularly the central building. Readers will travel step-by-step through the construction of the building, from the demolition of the Croton Reservoir (previously the site of the NYPL) to the library’s opening day.While consolidation of existing libraries began in 1895, the central library did not open its doors until 1911. On its opening day it was observed that the crowd was so large to defy counting.” Visitors were estimated at 30,000-50,000, with 1,800 registered for library cards by the second day.

The best shop in NYC!!! I believe that the products of there is better than those in any other places such as MOMA and METH.

They’ve reopened a small section of the shop on a trial basis.

Incredible and majestic place!

What’s even more beautiful about this place is it was ash lynx favorite place to go. +ﾟ*｡：ﾟ+banana fish+ﾟ：｡*ﾟ+. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASH LYNX!! August August 12!! All banana fish fans love to go here!!

What an amazing place to visit cheap. Did you know this library has a FREE pass? It is a great site, and so beautiful inside. We went there during winter, just to warm up, not realizing this place was free to visit! It consider it a hidden gem in New York, which people miss and are too concern with the busy and more touristy sites! Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this library

Someday i will go there to visit the favorite place of my lynx❤️

A lot to see.The library, officially chartered as The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations, was developed in the 19th century, founded from an amalgamation of grass-roots libraries and social libraries of bibliophiles and the wealthy, aided by the philanthropy of the wealthiest Americans of their age.The New York Public Library name may also refer to its Main Branch, which is easily recognizable by its lion statues named Patience and Fortitude that sit either side of the entrance. The branch was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and designated a New York City Landmark in 1967.

This library is a landmark and a national treasure. Both physically and digitally this main branch of the New York Public Library is a reference library with access to millions of documents and images. It is also known for its fabulous beaux arts architecture and wide variety of marble in its construction. Its a great place for a free guided tour, and it also has a unique gift shop.

Such beauty at this historic site and so many intricately detailed murals painted on the ceiling to showcase its grandeur. There were so many rooms that we were not able to see but I pretty much got the idea after a few and wondered how people that were actually there to study were still able to concentrate after the surge of tourists walking in, with the photo-snapping and talking - Im surprised no one got shushed!

For first time visitors nice place to see . Take the elevator to the 3rd floor niceties view. Please be quiet so dont disturb others .

Unique books and a great selection of gifts, especially for kids. Best way to finish a trip to the library (before a coffee in Bryant Park of course).

Beautiful architecture. Many movies are shot there. Beautiful part of New York historical landmark

Mm..

Massive library has everything

Super

Muy lindo edificio, un lugar obligado para los visitantes de Manhattan. Está oportunidad había una exposición de los primeros muñecos de peluche de Winnie Pooh, entre otras cosas. La entrada es gratuita.

A great atmosphere, a must see place, if you have textbooks with you, you can sit and study in the most beautiful classrooms.

Part of the free plans to make in this awesome city is to visit this amazing place.My recommendation is that they do not carry large suitcases or bags, since they do not allow you to enter the facilities.The other thing you would like to contribute is that they try not to make noise or take photos of the people who are inside the facilities studying or working.Enjoy the place and let yourself be amazed by all that it can bring you on your trip.

Beautiful library to visit if you are in the area (it is attached to briant Park)

Great library, beautiful, to enjoy well for a break in the day.

Strong desire to go to cry quietly to ash ☹ but in silence obviously 😭

It is a beauty, the library.

I went to this place 6 months ago with a friend and we enjoyed it a lot, it is a spectacular place you can relax there and the truth was I was impressed by how it looks inside it is as old and at the same time modern, it is incredible it is a place that you cannot miss you are in the city and it is also free !!!

A marvel. I really liked it

It is full of tourists (including myself).Im doing a wedding.

Amazing!!! One of the places I love most in NYC

The New York Public Library is one of the most important libraries in the world and with more content in America. The library is characterized by having a large number of public access books along with other must-read books within the enclosure.

Incredible place. Do not stop visiting it.

Suitable place to rest for souvenirs

Wonderful building worth the visit.

Beautiful library in New York